Historical Studies

The course explores the physical structure of the manuscript book, analyzing the organization of quires, text layout, and binding techniques. A fundamental aspect is the acquisition of methodological tools for describing and cataloging manuscripts, enabling students to recognize their unique features and understand their historical context of production and transmission. The different phases in the history of the book, from the scroll to the codex and eventually to print, are examined, highlighting the role of monasteries, universities, and courts in the dissemination of written knowledge. The course includes practical exercises, such as direct manuscript analysis and visits to libraries.

Among the prerequisites, knowledge of medieval and modern history is required, along with basic notions of Latin palaeography.

M. Maniaci, Archeologia del manoscritto. Metodi, problemi, bibliografia recente, Roma, Carocci, 2002, pp. 7-28. L. Del Corso, Il libro nel mondo antico. Archeologia e storia (secoli VII a. C. - VI d. C.), Roma, Carocci, 2022, pp. 213-248. M. Cursi, Le forme del libro. Dalla tavoletta cerata all'e-book, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2016. M. L. Agati, Il libro manoscritto da Oriente a Occidente. Per una codicologia comparata, L'erma di Bretschneider, 2003 (argomenti indicati a lezione). A. Petrucci, La descrizione del manoscritto. Storia, problemi, modelli, Carocci, Roma, 2001, pp. 57-136.

Attendance in person with availability to carry out group visits to the library for an autoptic examination of the manuscript specimens. The course will begin on Thursday, October 2, and will be held twice a week: Tuesday 10–12 in Aula Brelich; Thursday 10–12 in Aula Buonaiuti.

An oral exam is planned to verify the acquisition of knowledge.

Lectures supported by slides and the reading of selected sources.